Practical, Real-Life Applications for the Most Common Styles of Dance

With so many dance styles in the world, choosing which one to learn can be overwhelming. The easiest way to settle on a style, of course, is to first decide what you want to get out of it. Every dance has its own unique flavor, as well as skills that may apply both on and off the dance floor. 

Tap

Best Real-World Application: adding some spice to your errands

Tap is ideal for people who don’t possess an innate sense of rhythm. Every click and clack of the shoes matches a specific beat, so it’s as easy to dance as it is to count to eight. And because it usually follows standard rhythms, you can tap dance to any type of music. After a few classes, test out your tapping in the grocery store, where there’s always music playing.

Ballet

Best Real-World Application: helping you balance on the bus

Ballet isn’t just about putting on a tutu and twirling. It also helps with your posture and alignment, so that you're working both sides of your body equally. To put that newfound balance to good use, try standing without wobbling on the bus or train.

Waltz

Best Real-World Application: learning to communicate with loved ones

Body language is how we convey our feelings to others. Similarly, the waltz is all about using your hands, hips, and shoulders to lead or follow a partner. Dancing the waltz makes it easier not only to communicate your own thoughts, but also to interpret what others really mean when they say “I love you” or “Your shirt is on fire.”

Swing

Best Real-World Application: conquering terrifying roller coasters

Swing dancing is instantly recognizable by its quick spins, jazz hands, and over-the-back flips. After being slung around and flipped upside down by your partner, you’ll be ready to tackle whatever the amusement park throws at you.

Salsa

Best Real-World Application: flirting

With its twisting hips and curling bodies, salsa is the language of love. Off the dance floor, all that emotion translates into the ultimate romantic superpower: confidence.

Modern

Best Real-World Application: public speaking

Generally speaking, there's more room for interpretation in a modern or contemporary dance class, though though the objective is still about translating words and feelings into expressive movements. Becoming more comfortable with your body can help you express things more clearly—whether you’re delivering a presentation or trying to convince a room full of people to marry you.

Breakdancing

Best Real-World Application: impressing crowds, on the street or in the club

Breakdancing is one of the most thrilling—and difficult—dance styles to master. This makes it just the form to help you if you’re hitting the clubs, especially if your goal is to impress.


Folk

Best Real-World Application: making new friends

Folk dancing is about more than just learning steps and techniques. Over the centuries, it’s been a way for cultural communities to come together and socialize. In other words, folk dancing’s emphasis on community makes it one of the best ways to break the ice with strangers.

Photos: Andrew Nawrocki, Groupon.